At A State of Trance (ASOT) 2025, Armin van Buuren and Maddix will debut their first-ever Face 2 Face set, bringing a new energy to the festival and exciting fans worldwide. Now, you might be wondering what exactly is a Face 2 Face Set? How is it different from a standard B2B (Back-to-Back) set? How does it work? Let's dive in as EDM Addicts breaks it down for you.

What is Face 2 Face (F2F)?

A Face 2 Face (F2F) set is one where two DJs use their own setups, positioned across from each other in a head-to-head format. This setup sees DJs responding to each other in real time, challenging one another track by track, and sometimes relying on instinct rather than track previews and waveforms. Depending on the artist's preference, beatmatching and transitions can be done using a monitor, but in some cases, it’s purely based on anticipation—without knowing what the other side is about to drop next. Made popular by the YouTube channel Face 2 Face, which featured Techno artists battling it out, this setup quickly gained traction over the years and is finally making its way to A State of Trance 2025!

How is F2F different from B2B?

You might be wondering, isn't a Face 2 Face set the same as a B2B? Not quite. A Back-to-Back (B2B) set is a collaboration where two artists share the same DJ setup, often preparing their set weeks in advance. On the other hand, an F2F set is filled with surprises, as artists mix on the spot, selecting tracks in real time. This format creates a level of unpredictability and excitement that highlights each DJ's technical skills, ability to respond to cues, and raw musical instinct.

Making history at A State of Trance this year, Armin van Buuren and Maddix are set to deliver an unmissable experience, making this one of the biggest highlights of the festival. For those who can’t make it to the event, expect a full live set upload on A State of Trance’s official channels, just like in previous years. Stay tuned for this landmark moment in trance history!